“Greetings, Senior Qing Niu!”
Whether it was Dragon Mountain Daoist, Xiaoyao Jun, or Immortal Master Bai He, all bowed slightly in deference.
Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled and said,
“With Senior Qing Niu’s presence today, my Heavenly Human Grand Ceremony is truly complete.”
Only Old Ancestor Wang felt a bit awkward, as he was actually older than Qing Niu Daoke. Calling him ‘Senior’ felt strange, but doing nothing would make him seem too casual. He could only force a cheerful smile.
However, Old Ancestor Wang’s heart was actually more joyful than awkward.
He never expected Dragon Mountain Daoist to be able to invite a powerhouse from the celestial human rankings to stand on the platform. This meant he had truly come to the right place this time. The corners of his mouth curved slightly upwards, and his smile became more heartfelt.
Everyone present looked on with reverence.
A powerhouse from the celestial human rankings.
They could almost be said to be existences standing at the peak of Great Yan. In an era where Martial Saints rarely appeared, those thirty-six powerhouses were the strongest.
Even though Qing Niu Daoke was only ranked thirty-third on the celestial human rankings, the four Heavenly Human Realm cultivators, including Dragon Mountain Daoist, would be easily suppressed if they joined forces.
Ning Qi slowly withdrew his gaze to avoid being noticed by Qing Niu Daoke.
He could feel the faint oppressive aura, especially the unedged saber on the old man’s back, which surprised him even more; it contained an astonishing Saber Intent.
“Master once said that the Heavenly Human Realm is quite special. Some Cultivate only one Realm, some Cultivate two, and some Cultivate all three concurrently. The order of Cultivation also varies, so their combat power is not as straightforward as in the Gang Yuan Realm.”
“As for who is stronger or weaker among Heavenly Human Realm powerhouses, unless their Dao are similar, one only knows after a fight. Most assessments are based on past battle records, which is why the celestial human rankings came into being.”
“The celestial human rankings are issued by the Great Yan Imperial Family. Those who enter the celestial human rankings are considered top-tier powerhouses within the Heavenly Human Realm, enjoying immense prestige.”
Without a doubt.
Qing Niu Daoke was the strongest person Ning Qi had seen so far.
Qing Niu Daoke chuckled and waved his hand, saying,
“We are all in the Heavenly Human Realm, so there’s no need for ‘Senior’ or not. If you don’t mind, just call me ‘Old Brother’.”
He looked at Dragon Mountain Daoist, his eyes filled with appreciation:
“Little Dragon Mountain, I always thought it was only a matter of time before you stepped into the Heavenly Human Realm, but I didn’t expect it to be even sooner than I imagined. Surpassing me in the future is only a matter of time.”
Such praise startled the several Heavenly Human Realm cultivators present.
Their relationship was clearly extraordinary.
Dragon Mountain Daoist laughed heartily:
“Old Brother Qing Niu, you flatter me. I don’t know how long it will take to catch up to you.”
He also felt a surge of pride. Years ago, during his travels, he encountered a crisis and was saved by Qing Niu Daoke, who also offered him some guidance. Now, after all these years, he too had reached the Heavenly Human Realm, and the sense of accomplishment was self-evident.
“Everyone, please take your seats!”
Now that everyone had arrived, the five Heavenly Human Realm cultivators took their places on the central high platform, instantly making the atmosphere of the Dojo even more fervent.
Dragon Mountain Daoist was in the center, Qing Niu Daoke to his left, Immortal Master Bai He to his right, and the other two sat on either side.
Excited gazes swept around, and people conversed in low voices.
No one had expected that today’s Heavenly Human Grand Ceremony would attract so many Heavenly Human Realm powerhouses, and even a powerhouse from the celestial human rankings.
This news quickly spread throughout Zhenwu City. Many Martial Artist who were unable to ascend the mountain pounded their chests and stomped their feet, regretting that they couldn't witness today's grand event. Others exclaimed that their trip was worthwhile, for even if they couldn't see the true faces of the Heavenly Human Realm cultivators, at least they were under the same sky, and it would be an honor to speak of it in the future.
Old Ancestor Wang’s eyes held a hint of envy and jealousy.
Recalling his own Heavenly Human Grand Ceremony three hundred years ago, barely one Heavenly Human Realm friend arrived, and he had to promise many benefits afterwards. Compared to Dragon Mountain Daoist’s current display, the difference was too great.
However, as soon as he thought of the purpose of his visit, he felt much better.
Time slowly passed.
The people of Zhenwu Dojo felt something and gradually quieted down.
Luo Wentian’s exhilarating voice rang out:
“The auspicious time has arrived! The Heavenly Human Grand Ceremony officially begins!”
In an instant.
Nine thunderous drumbeats echoed, and upon hearing them, everyone’s blood inexplicably boiled.
Then, Dao music undulated, drifting from afar, captivating the mind.
Fine wines and delicacies were placed on the tables.
True Martial Sect Disciples, dressed in ceremonial robes and holding ceremonial swords, poured in. Thirty-six inner Disciples and seventy-two outer Disciples, perfectly aligning with the number of thirty-six Heavenly Dipper and seventy-two Earthly Fiend.
“We congratulate the Sect Master!”
The True Martial Sect Disciples were full of vigor, and their sword dance erupted like the rising sun.
Although there was no killing intent, the sword dance was well-structured and contained various profound changes when coordinated. It was clear that when used in battle, it would be extraordinary. This was both a sword dance and a peerlessly exquisite sword formation.
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Everyone’s eyes lit up. Although they were only Body Tempering Realm and Inner Yuan Realm Martial Artist, what they displayed was the True Martial Sect’s Foundation.
Some people with keen eyesight could easily see that these Disciples had excellent Foundations. In ordinary Sect, they would be considered Genius Disciples who could make a name for themselves, but it was unexpected that the True Martial Sect had so many.
In an instant.
Many people’s mindsets changed. They originally thought that the True Martial Sect had only produced an unparalleled Genius like Dragon Mountain Daoist, but now it seemed that Dragon Mountain Daoist’s methods of teaching Disciples were equally impressive.
Some long-standing Legacy forces looked solemn. With the Foundation displayed by the True Martial Sect, it would surely establish itself and become a top-tier overlord within a few decades.
Old Ancestor Wang’s eyes held a hint of sourness.
In recent years, his biggest concern had been the lack of promising young talent in the Wang Family. How could a Family’s Genius compare to a Sect that gathered talents from all over the world? Seeing the True Martial Sect Disciples so full of talent today, he couldn’t help but reflect again on whether he needed to absorb some fresh blood from outside.
However, a Family and a Sect are different. If there was too much fresh blood from outside, and they grew powerful one day, would the Wang Family still be the Wang Family?
Qing Niu Daoke simply chuckled and savored the fine wine.
Immortal Master Bai He, however, carefully observed the sword dance of the True Martial Sect Disciples before him. As a member of the Dao Sect, he was even more sensitive to the numbers of Heavenly Dipper and Earthly Fiend. As he observed closely, he became even more astonished.
This sword formation was not simple.
He couldn't help but ask,
“Fellow Daoist Dragon Mountain, may I ask about this sword formation…?”
His words attracted the attention of the other Heavenly Human Realm cultivators.
Dragon Mountain Daoist smiled and said,
“This sword formation, when combined, is the Celestial Dipper Earthly Fiend Sword Formation. When separated, it can be the Heavenly Dipper Sword Formation and the Earthly Fiend Sword Formation. It can gather the strength of many to confront an opponent, striking the strong with the weak. It’s a bit of a trick, making Fellow Daoist Bai He laugh.”
Their conversation immediately piqued everyone’s interest. Even Qing Niu Daoke narrowed his eyes and pondered for a moment, then burst into laughter:
“Little Dragon Mountain, you’re being too modest. This sword formation isn’t as simple as you say. What a brilliant way to strike the strong with the weak! If half of this Celestial Dipper Earthly Fiend Sword Formation were Inner Yuan Realm cultivators, coupled with a few strong individuals, it could probably even contend with Gang Yuan Realm Martial Artist, couldn’t it?”
Xiaoyao Jun also laughed heartily:
“Such a brilliant and astonishing creation! It’s truly admirable! Let’s drink a toast!”
The Heavenly Human Realm cultivators all saw the intricacies within and exclaimed in admiration.
The gap between the Inner Yuan Realm and the Gang Yuan Realm was also immense. For this sword formation to possess such power was extraordinary.
Old Ancestor Wang seemingly casually asked,
“I’ve never heard of the True Martial Sect having such a sword formation before, not even in Qingzhou. Otherwise, it should have been famous long ago.”